Guest Anonymous Posted October 12, 2001 Share Posted October 12, 2001 Just recently acquired a '72 240z, stock. I am going to put a small block chevy (LS1- I hope). My questions are: What type of rear end ratios came stock? How well does the stock rear end hold up to the added power of a V-8? What can be done to strengthen the rear end, where to find the parts? Any other suggested chassis mods for the V-8? This is the first foreign car I've ever bought. Looking forward to this latest project. Previous Projects: 1969 Camaro Z-28, 468 BBC, 2-stage NOS, Tubbed, Fully street legal. 9.60's @ 140+ 1971 Camaro: 454 BBC, A/T, P/S, A/C, strong runner, street driven. 1969 Camaro SS: 350, daily driver 1963 Chevy II Convertible, 350 V-8 1981 Camaro Z-28, loaded w/all options. Thanks in advance for all ideas and suggestions. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike kZ Posted October 12, 2001 Share Posted October 12, 2001 Hey Charlie, you had/have some nice cars there!The stock rear ratio for a 72 is I think 3:36 in a R180 dif. These are weak, you need to upgrade to a R200 from a 280 or 280zx or a LSD (Posi) from a 300zx. There is a lot of info on rear ends here, you need to hit the search button. Or you could put in a solid rear like I did.As for chassis mods, a frame connector I think is a must, also a roll bar helps too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pparaska Posted October 12, 2001 Share Posted October 12, 2001 Nice list of cars! Welcome! For chassis mods, a 6 or 8 pt cage is usually suggested, as well as some subframe connectors. I have plans for some on my site (below) under "Structural Mods". Brakes and suspension also need upgrades if you're doing anything other than a very tame V8. There's lots of stuff on this in that forum on this site. But I'd suggest going to the HybridZ store from the main page and checking out scca (Mike Gibson's) brake kits. HTH, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jeromio Posted October 12, 2001 Share Posted October 12, 2001 Yes, there's alot you can/should do to the car before, or along with, the V8 swap. Fortunately, there's alot of info here and on many other sites outlining inexpensive and fairly easy mods. The stock brakes on these cars are awful. Easiest is to buy one of the kits offered by members here such as Ross C and MikeG. Coilovers are key for suspension adjustability (height and spring rate) as well as added tire clearance. As to the LS1, have you checked out http://ls1.com ? Lots of info there and the occasional long block up forsale (guy named valvegod deals in surplus LS1 stuff - very good guy to deal with). I am putting an LS1 in my 71. I will have lots of documentation and measurements on my site as I progress. 300 RWHP with no mods and a light, all aluminum motor - very sweet. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike C Posted October 12, 2001 Share Posted October 12, 2001 Welcome! Good choice in cars You'll be happy with the '72. The buyers guide say cars built between Jan and April of 72 are the best to get. (Don't remember exactly why) The r200 swap is easier in a 72 since only the mustache bar needs to be changed. Don't drive that little 6 banger TOO much before doing your swap. The little bugger tends to grow on you... Pete's new frame rails are how I intend to reinforce my cars subframe as well. Thought it was an original idea, but obviously not! Usually one of the first pieces of advice anyone offers, and probably the best, is to spend the $35 on the JTR (Jags That Run) book on V8 Datsun swaps. Tons of good info will pay for the book twice. I am on my third 240 and second copy of the book, but have yet to do a V8 swap. I've even bought several swap candidates. (L79 350hp/327 & Muncie, 250hp/350 & TH400 and a TBI 305 & WC 5 speed)I just get enamored with driving the thing and can't stand the thought of taking it apart for who knows how long! Mine is my daily driver. I have two other complete projects to work on... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DavyZ Posted October 12, 2001 Share Posted October 12, 2001 Welcome to the forum! In addition to using the search function (most helpful) the guy's websites like Pete's and Jeromio's are extremely informative with a lot of pictures, information, and links. Good luck with your project! BTW, did we say buy the JTR book? Davy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Anonymous Posted October 12, 2001 Share Posted October 12, 2001 Welcome fellow chevy v8 man! Cool car collection. This Z car v8 bug bites real hard! Just the thought of taking my 475 hp 388 out of my 12 second daily driver El Camino and stuffing it in my 2300lb. datsun to see what a high 11 second driver feels like just never went away!! There's lots of stuff on this site on rearends and reliability. Main suggestion: When the swap is complete be nice to the drivetrain and take it easy with your shifting. If we can do that it should live a healthy, reliable, quick little package, Welcome to Hybridz!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BLKMGK Posted October 13, 2001 Share Posted October 13, 2001 Heh, I've got a 72 myself. I think you'll find the swap is an easy one - especially after you read the JTR BOOK. Get the book It doesn't cover the LS1 but it gives a terrific overview of the swap and some good tips. Since my car is th esame year I may be able to help with questions specific to the '72. You can do this as a mild or wild swap but like others have said I'd upgrade the brakes at least and I'd consider a cage. These suckers are Uni-body and given enough ponies turn into flexible flyers. I used MikeSCCA's brakes and they work well and look good. An R200 rear is a must and an easy swap - LSD units come out of 85.5-89 300ZX turbos (3.7:1). I'd suggest considering upgrading the U-joint rear axles to CVs from a 280ZXT too but this will require a custom adapter that I think Ross is working on. I think that's about it. Get the book , use the search, and ask questions when you get stuck. Lot's of member WEB sites out there too that should help as well. Will you be keeping the stock wheels and body or upgrading etc.? Any rust? Do you have pics to share? Enjoy and good luck - this is a FUN swap. P.S. Sure you don't want to do a Chevelle? J/K Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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